procedure
noun
pro·ce·dure
prə-ˈsē-jər 
1
a
: a particular way of accomplishing something or of acting
b
: a step in a procedure
2
a
: a series of steps followed in a regular definite order
legal procedure
a surgical procedure
b
: a set of instructions for a computer that has a name by which it can be called into action
3
a
: a traditional or established way of doing things
Examples of procedure in a Sentence
Installing a car battery is a simple procedure.
What is the procedure for applying for a loan?
New employees are taught the proper safety procedures.
We must follow proper court procedure.
An identity check is standard police procedure.
the procedure for treating a burn
The procedure will take two hours.
Recent Examples on the Web
As a doctor explained to Pat, such a procedure was physiologically possible, though unprecedented and possibly risky.
—
Virginia Chamlee, PEOPLE, 31 Dec. 2025
However, as Marine Insight reported, the reactors aboard the Nimitz are already scheduled for removal as part of standard inactivation procedures, which will be carried out at Newport News Shipbuilding in Virginia before the carrier moves to Naval Station Norfolk for decommissioning.
—Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 30 Dec. 2025
Ramsay, 58, shared two photos to Instagram post-procedure, one showing a large bandage placed beneath his ear and the other displaying a row of stitches.
—Angelica Stabile, FOXNews.com, 30 Dec. 2025
While complications, such as infections, can occur after any surgical procedure, problems related to postoperative care are blamed for contributing to injuries in over two-thirds of the cosmetic surgery cases KFF Health News reviewed.
—Fred Schulte, Miami Herald, 30 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for procedure
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
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Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
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Virginia Chamlee, PEOPLE, 31 Dec. 2025
However, as Marine Insight reported, the reactors aboard the Nimitz are already scheduled for removal as part of standard inactivation procedures, which will be carried out at Newport News Shipbuilding in Virginia before the carrier moves to Naval Station Norfolk for decommissioning.
—Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 30 Dec. 2025
Ramsay, 58, shared two photos to Instagram post-procedure, one showing a large bandage placed beneath his ear and the other displaying a row of stitches.
—Angelica Stabile, FOXNews.com, 30 Dec. 2025
While complications, such as infections, can occur after any surgical procedure, problems related to postoperative care are blamed for contributing to injuries in over two-thirds of the cosmetic surgery cases KFF Health News reviewed.
—Fred Schulte, Miami Herald, 30 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for procedure
Cite this Entry
“Procedure.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/procedure. Accessed 1 Jan. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
procedure
noun
pro·ce·dure
prə-ˈsē-jər
1
: a manner or method in which a business or action is carried on
2
a
: a series of steps followed in a regular definite order
the procedure for acquiring a passport
b
: a set of instructions for a computer that has a name by which it can be called into action
procedural
adjective
-ˈsēj-(ə-)rəl
Medical Definition
procedure
noun
pro·ce·dure
prə-ˈsē-jər
1
: a particular way of accomplishing something or of acting
2
: a step in a procedure
especially
: a series of steps followed in a regular definite order
a surgical procedure
a therapeutic procedure
Legal Definition
procedure
noun
pro·ce·dure
prə-ˈsē-jər
1
: one or more methods or steps for the enforcement or administration of rights, duties, justice, or laws
civil procedure
police procedure
compare procedural law, substantive law
2
: a particular and especially established way of doing something
a medical procedure
security procedures
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